   Maintenance Before your practical Driving Test, you will be asked 2 of the following questions: One question will be a "show me" where you must actually do what the examiner asks you to do, the other question begins "tell me", where you must only explain the answer. 4 Questions relate to components under the bonnet. The bonnet is opened by pulling the release lever situated over the footwell on the driver’s side of the car. The bonnet is lifted by lifting the release plate with your fingers slid under the front edge of the bonnet. Then prop the bonnet up using the support rod hooked to the left underside of the bonnet.
Move the mouse over the picture, when it changes to a hand, you can click & zoom in
Q - Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify
dipstick, describe “pull out, wipe clean, reinsert, take out again and check of oil level against
the minimum/maximum markers. Always check when engine is cold.
Q - Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
Identify
max/min level markings on expansion tank and if asked describe how to top up to
correct level by removing lid (when cool) & top up with correct mixture of
water and antifreeze.
Q - Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against max/min markings.
Q - Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify reservoir and explain that because container is hidden by the bodywork, it would be necessary to keep the reservoir regularly topped up by filling until the level can be seen in the neck of the bottle.
Q - Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes
should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes
should be tested as you set off. Vehicle
should not pull to one side.
Q - Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
Q - Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
Demonstrate
by applying parking brake that a firm resistance is felt before it reaches the
end of it’s working travel, also when the ratchet button is released, the hand
brake secures itself.
Q - Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Press
the horn, which is found in the centre of the steering wheel.
Q - Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Press the hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators by walking around the outside of the car.
Q - Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
Switch
on the headlights and check functioning of the headlights and tail lights by walking
around the outside of the car.
Q - Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on
this car.
Ask the examiner to stand behind the car, operate brake pedal and ask if the lights are working. You could make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc if there was nobody around to help you check.
Q - Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
The recommended pressures are found in the manufacturer's handbook. In this car they are also shown on a plate on the inside of the driver's door . A reliable pressure gauge should be used to check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Q - Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
No cuts or bulges should be visible on the wall of the tyre. There should be a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Q - Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.
Q - Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen. The ignition must be switched on before operating the windscreen wipers.
Q - Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
Q - Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle).
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain rear fog light should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced to less than 100 metres
Q - Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Explain that the ABS warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
Q - Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Operate switch, check with main beam warning light. The ignition must be switched on before carrying out this test
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